By Patrick Mapp
It's May 20, 2013. The clouds start to become darker, and the winds start to pick up in Moore, Oklahoma. Soon, meteorologists start to warn about a funnel cloud approaching the city. Americans turn on their TVs and see helicopters flying around a huge black tornado on the ground. As it spins, all anyone can think about is the poor people in the storm's path. The EF-5 tornado demolishes homes, schools and parks, killing 24 and injuring 337. Minutes after the storm disappears, Oklahomans start emerging from the piles of rubble where their houses used to be. America watches as neighbors start helping neighbors slowly begin to clean up the mess. Within 48 hours, ReliefCorps is reborn.
ReliefCorps was originally started by section SR-9 in the wake of the tornado outbreak across Alabama and Georgia in 2011. The idea for ReliefCorps was sparked by images of Arrowmen from Tuscaloosa helping rescue workers dig through rubble from the 2011 tornado outbreak. ReliefCorps made a huge impact on those devastated in 2011 and it is sure to make a definite impact now in Oklahoma. The vision for ReliefCorps is to help generate manpower and revenue to assist those affected by natural disasters throughout the Southern Region.
Arrowmen from all over the country have reached out looking for ways to help. In an effort to focus the incredible charitable spirit of our members and maximize our ability to help those in need, the Southern Region ReliefCorps has been called back into action. All lodges are encouraged to participate no matter their geographic location.
Wes Seaman is the section chief of Section SR-8 and currently serves as the ReliefCorps Coordinator. Wes explained, "The program had two components: a lodge service project and a fundraiser. To commemorate our efforts to assist in the recovery, a special gold mylar bordered patch has been designed. To earn the service patch, you must participate in a lodge organized service project. There is only one requirement: the service project must benefit the community and not the BSA or any council."
"Additionally, a silver mylar bordered patch could be purchased for $10.00," Seaman said. "All proceeds from these sales will be given to the American Red Cross. There was no service requirement to purchase the fundraiser patch."
Jacob Schlies was Section Chief of Section SR-9 in 2011 and served as the ReliefCorps Coordinator for the original program. Jacob said, "I am so glad that the 
legacy we left in 2011 was able to serve as the foundation for the relaunch of the program in 2013. Wes and Section SR-8 took our final report from 2011 and immediately sprung into action to help the victims of the Oklahoma tornados. I am very proud of all Wes and his section have been able to accomplish."
The project officially wrapped up on June 30th, and Wes is currently working on writing the final report. Wes said that he hopes his report will be able to be passed down to future Arrowmen if disaster strikes again.
Even though the project ended on June 30th, Oklahomans still need your help!
Check out OAReliefCorps.com for more information on Lodge Service Projects. Also, you can "Like" ReliefCorps on Facebook at "OA ReliefCorps", which is frequently updated with information on how you can help. Additionally, you may donate to the American Red Cross directly to aid the storm victims.